Abstract: A device for introducing a guide wire into a catheter comprising a housing having at least one lumen for permitting the passage of a guide wire therethrough. The lumen has an axial single seam positioned longitudinally along the lumen that is defined by opposite lateral ends of the housing. The seam comprises a gap that is dimensioned less than the diameter of the guide wire to be passed therethrough for preventing lateral removal of the guide wire from said device during use. The housing further comprises a plurality of gripping surfaces distinct from the seam for permitting a user to widen the seam to facilitate removal of a guide wire. The housing may further include an axial notch positioned generally about 180 degrees opposite from the seam to facilitate widening of the seam when it desired to remove the guide wire. The join may comprise a longitudinal groove on the housing. The gripable surfaces may each comprise a tab, or may comprise an indentation in the housing.

Abstract: A device for introducing a guide wire into a catheter comprising a housing having at least one lumen for permitting the passage of a guide wire therethrough. The lumen has an axial single seam positioned longitudinally along the lumen that is defined by opposite lateral ends of the housing. The seam comprises a gap that is dimensioned less than the diameter of the guide wire to be passed therethrough for preventing lateral removal of the guide wire from said device during use. The housing further comprises a plurality of gripping surfaces distinct from the seam for permitting a user to widen the seam to facilitate removal of a guide wire. The housing may further include an axial notch positioned generally about 180 degrees opposite from the seam to facilitate widening of the seam when it desired to remove the guide wire. The join may comprise a longitudinal groove on the housing. The gripable surfaces may each comprise a tab, or may comprise an indentation in the housing.

Abstract: A support apparatus and its use is provided comprising a substantially support layer with an inside surface and an outside surface; and a securing element for securing the support layer to the exterior of a body lumen. The method for implanting the support to the exterior of a body lumen comprises providing for an exterior support, inserting the stent around a desired location on the exterior of the lumen, and providing for controlled expansion of the lumen such that it contacts the support sufficiently to secure it to the lumen.

Abstract: An electrode catheter for temporary use comprises a biocompatible sheath with a distal end and a proximal end connected to means for commanding and controlling sent or recorded electrical signals; on the sheath is provided an ogive element, fitted to close the distal end, made of conductive material and connected with a first conducting wire so as to define a first electrical pole; a flexible reinforcing core integral with the ogive element to guarantee an ergonomic conformation of the sheath; a first metal ring fastened to the exterior of the sheath and connected to a second conducting wire extending inside the sheath so as to define a second pole, and lastly a spiral element, elastically yielding, set coaxially to the first wire and to the core and electrically isolated; this spiral element covers a length equal to the distance between the ogive element and the first ring allowing it to be deformed elastically with the related adaptation of the length both to the conformation, and to the variation in the co